The Bulldogs took control with a four-run second. With one out, Brody Niebrugge and Max Koenig singled. One out later, the first run scored on an error. After a walk loaded the bases, Mendella lined a pitch for a triple, driving in all three runners and increase the SAHS lead to 5-0 lead.

St. Anthony got a single tally in the third and then capped their offensive night with five runs in the fourth. Connor Roepke had a sacrifice fly and Koenig an RBI single before Colton Fearday capped the inning with a bases-clearing double.

Brayden Pals was the starter for Effingham and took the loss. He lasted just 1.2 innings, giving up four hits and five runs, although only one was earned. He walked two and struck out two.

The Hearts dipped to 14-11. They will play Monday at Olney.

The Bulldogs improved to 17-8. They will close their regular season today (Saturday) by competing in the Greenville Round Robin. They will then open regional play Wednesday. They will face either Ramsey or CHBC at 4:30 p.m. in a semifinal game of the Altamont Regional.